Brand Names: Librium

Generic Name: chlordiazepoxide (Pronunciation: klor dye az e POX ide)

• What is chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• What are the possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• What is the most important information I should know about chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• How should I take chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Librium)?
• What happens if I overdose (Librium)?
• What should I avoid while taking chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• What other drugs will affect chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?

Chlordiazepoxide is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Chlordiazepoxide affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Chlordiazepoxide is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal.

Chlordiazepoxide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Chlordiazepoxide 10 mg-BAR

black/green, imprinted with barr, 033

Chlordiazepoxide 10 mg-WAT

black/green, imprinted with WATSON 786, 10 mg

Chlordiazepoxide 25 mg-BAR

green/white, imprinted with barr, 159

Chlordiazepoxide 25 mg-PAR

green/white, imprinted with 960, par

Chlordiazepoxide 25 mg-WAT

green/white, imprinted with WATSON 787, 25mg

Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg-BAR

green/yellow, imprinted with barr, 158

Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg-PAR

green/yellow, imprinted with 958, par

Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg-WAT

blue/yellow, imprinted with WATSON 785, 5 mg

Librium 5 mg

green/yellow, imprinted with LIBRIUM 5, ROCHE

What are the possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion;
• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;
• swelling;
• skin rash;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation; or
• irregular menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Librium (chlordiazepoxide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about chlordiazepoxide (Librium)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to chlordiazepoxide or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before taking chlordiazepoxide, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, porphyria, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by chlordiazepoxide.

Chlordiazepoxide may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Chlordiazepoxide should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.